USE-2 in Service Entrance question

[playball89]

Applicable details:
New Concrete Slab House
NEC 2008

I have a job where we parralel feed USE-2 in 2-2" conduits from Utility Transformer to 400 amp meter base (no disconnects) and terminated into meter base lugs. Then we ran 2-2" Conduits under the concrete slab about 60' to two separate 200 amp panels that are side by side. We used USE-2 in these conduits with the thinking the conduit under the slab is exterior. We turned the Siemens panels so the main breaker was down so we did not have to run the wire to the top.

The inspection failed as the inspector said we had a termination point (meter base) and we should have changed the wire type we used to feed the panels. He cited I believe Section 338.12 of the code and specifically pointed to prohibited uses section "not for Interior Use". I did not feel this was an interior use as it is terminating in the panel and not going any further than that.

Am I incorrect in my thinking?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Unfortunately the inspector is correct unless the use cable is dual rated. Most of it is rated rhw/rhwn. If that is the case then you are correct as RHW is suitable for interior. If it is not dual rated you are out of luck.

 

[Hv&Lv]

Applicable details:
New Concrete Slab House
NEC 2008

I have a job where we parralel feed USE-2 in 2-2" conduits from Utility Transformer to 400 amp meter base (no disconnects) and terminated into meter base lugs. Then we ran 2-2" Conduits under the concrete slab about 60' to two separate 200 amp panels that are side by side. We used USE-2 in these conduits with the thinking the conduit under the slab is exterior. We turned the Siemens panels so the main breaker was down so we did not have to run the wire to the top.

The inspection failed as the inspector said we had a termination point (meter base) and we should have changed the wire type we used to feed the panels. He cited I believe Section 338.12 of the code and specifically pointed to prohibited uses section "not for Interior Use". I did not feel this was an interior use as it is terminating in the panel and not going any further than that.

Am I incorrect in my thinking?

Wouldn't this be under 230 until you get to the disconnects? If so, wouldn't 230.6 be the rule here. If so, the installation is correct IMHO. Sorry, on looking that up, he is correct.

 

[Smart $]

Wouldn't this be under 230 until you get to the disconnects? If so, wouldn't 230.6 be the rule here. If so, the installation is correct IMHO. Sorry, on looking that up, he is correct.

Once the conduits get within 2" of the concrete slab surface, the conductors are no longer considered outside.

 

[stew]

I have never installed any USE-2 cable that was not dualr arted. Dont know if I have just gotten lucky or whether the 6 or so supply house I have bought from over the years only stock dual rated cable. Not only have I never installed any that was not but I have never seen any that wasnt.

 

[kbsparky]

You'll have to change those conductors to type XHHW, or prove they are dual-rated.

 

[kwired]

I have never installed any USE-2 cable that was not dualr arted. Dont know if I have just gotten lucky or whether the 6 or so supply house I have bought from over the years only stock dual rated cable. Not only have I never installed any that was not but I have never seen any that wasnt.

They only stock dual rated because there is no demand for the USE only rated. Around here there is a lot of farm work with long underground feeds that do not enter any building. These do not have to be dual rated and the cost is lower for non dual rated conductors. The suppliers do stock non dual rated for some common sizes that are used a lot.